Incumbent Yuriko Koike faces opposition from Renho in the Tokyo governor election, highlighting the prominence of women in Japan's male-dominated political landscape. Despite Japan never having a female prime minister and a predominantly male legislature, Koike, a former TV anchor, has governed Tokyo since 2016. Both candidates emphasize support for child-rearing amidst record-low birth rates, with Koike promising subsidised epidurals and Renho advocating for genuine long-term fertility measures. The election is crucial as it precedes national elections, impacting the ruling Liberal Democratic Party led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who is facing dwindling public support. Tokyo's election outcome could have significant implications for Japan's political future and policies.